Opposition and crossbench MLAs have questioned the ACT Government's Thriving Kids program, launched on 1 October for children up to eight with developmental delays. They want figures on how many children are receiving support, waiting times and staffing levels. Canberra Liberals MLA Peter Cain said the government had offered broad statements without detail. Disability Minister Suzanne Orr said the program is being introduced in stages, with full implementation due on 1 January 2028, and that further reporting will follow.
Developer Peet has lodged a development application for the first stage of its Onderra estate in Bruce, Canberra. The stage will comprise 128 townhouses, part of a 15-hectare estate of more than 1600 homes next to the University of Canberra. The $67 million project includes 13 buildings, with 37 two-bedroom, 78 three-bedroom and 12 four-bedroom townhouses. The estate will be built in stages over 15 years. The application is open for comment until 9 November.
Jack Henry Curtin, 27, has pleaded not guilty to murdering Kylee McHugh and to arson charges, his lawyer told the ACT Magistrates Court on Tuesday. Ms McHugh was found dead on 18 May after firefighters were called to her Osborne Place apartment in Belconnen. Police allege investigators found ignitable liquid pour patterns at some of the five locations where the fire started. A postmortem examination found she had no carbon monoxide or cyanide in her blood, which indicates she died before the fire took hold. The case has been adjourned to 3 December for a pre-hearing mention.
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Turkish migrant Serif Kaya came to Canberra in 1980 after a bus trip led him to explore the city alone. He later became the owner of Ottoman Cuisine, one of the capital's best-known restaurants. Kaya says migrants should mix with the wider community rather than live in enclaves, and that shared meals help people understand one another. He introduced many Australians to Turkish cuisine, and his customers have included several former and current prime ministers. Kaya says he feels at home in both Turkey and Canberra.
The ACT Rural Fire Service is holding a series of bushfire preparedness pop-ups across Canberra in October and November. Residents can speak with local volunteers about preparing their homes, completing an emergency plan and checking whether they live in a bushfire prone area. The events are held at shopping centres, ovals, schools and car parks in Belconnen, Tuggeranong, Woden, Weston Creek, Molonglo and across the wider ACT region. Authorities urge households to chat about risks, plan what they will do in an emergency and act by taking practical steps before one happens.
Canberra-based textile designer Emily Thérèse has built a business selling colourful quilted wall artworks to customers in more than 20 countries. She makes each piece in Canberra and sells DIY kits so buyers can learn the technique. Self-taught in sewing, she worked as a designer for Cotton On and Target before turning to whole cloth quilting. Her work draws on everyday colour combinations and artists such as Matisse. She says she is grateful for early support from the Canberra community.
Canberra venues are hosting a range of Melbourne Cup celebrations on 3 November. The Hyatt Hotel Canberra has a garden party from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm for $200 per person, with a seafood bar and live tiramisu bar. Thoroughbred Park offers Cup day racing with general entry from $20. Free options include the Canberra Labor Club, The Dock in Kingston and Mercure Canberra, which will show the races on multiple big screens.
A high-speed pursuit in Canberra ended when a driver allegedly lost control and struck a parked ute at a residential building site. ACT Policing says a Toyota Camry was taken from the Tuggeranong pool carpark on Wednesday morning, 14 October. Officers spotted the vehicle in Dickson around midday and followed it to Kaleen, where the driver allegedly ignored stop-sticks. The car crossed a greenbelt before a second deployment, and police allege the driver swerved toward an officer. After the collision, a witness was filmed hitting the car window before the driver was removed.
Gluten-free restaurant Queenies in Kingston is closing after six years, with its last service on Saturday 31 October. Owner Pamela Howarth said the business had been hit by events beyond its control. Executive Chef Adrianne Davo will focus on sister venue Eve. Elsewhere, Oh My Papa is set to open a rooftop bar on Bunda Street, and Armada Collective plans a Pialligo Estate relaunch in 2027 with an Italian focus under head chef Jason Lear.
Construction of the $17 million South Tuggeranong Health Centre in Canberra has been completed, and the doors are expected to open before the end of the year. The facility will offer diabetes care, community paediatrics, pathology collection and fall and injury prevention programs. About 40 full-time Canberra Health Services staff will relocate to run it. ACT Deputy Chief Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith said the 2026/27 budget allocates $4 million over four years to operate the centre. Health Minister Marisa Paterson said such centres aim to reduce pressure on emergency departments.
Police allege a 23-year-old man was repeatedly stabbed in Belconnen in the early hours of Wednesday, 14 October. Police say the man stopped to speak with a group that was throwing objects at vehicles near the intersection of Coulter Drive and Ginninderra Drive at about 12:30am. He was able to drive home, where his family took him to hospital. A police spokesperson said he is in a stable condition and that investigations are continuing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers and quote P2494375.
A 23-year-old man was stabbed multiple times in Belconnen early on Wednesday, ACT Policing says. Police allege four people were throwing objects at passing vehicles near the intersection of Coulter Drive and Ginninderra Drive. ACT Policing Deputy Commissioner Scott Lee said the man got out of his car at about 12:30am after an object was thrown at it. The man's condition has been stabilised and he remains in hospital. The four people allegedly involved are still at large, and police have asked anyone with information to come forward.
